When trying to advance yourself in today’s job market, you tend to lose track of the details of your job search. Competition, not to mention the many things going on in our daily lives, can throw you off balance. With that in mind, establish a game plan before you begin your job search to maintain your momentum!

Here are some helpful tips to staying organized:

Make a weekly or daily “to do” list of items that need to get done, and check them off as you complete them. The biggest-ticket items in a job search are the resume, cover letter, and lists of companies you want to target and people you need to call. It is also important to set aside time each day to conduct your job search. Time flies, and you’ll find yourself in the same employment situation a year from now if you don’t schedule your time effectively. Applying for jobs the day they are posted can help you stand out to employers.

Create an organizational plan to track your job search activities. Track the positions you have applied for, the names and contact information for employers you have followed up with, and the dates when you need to follow up with them again. This will keep you organized and keep your name fresh in the employers’ minds. Tracking the company, job position, and the date you applied will help you avoid applying for the same opening twice.

Remember, do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today!